Spike Island Café (Emmeline) — Restaurant in Bristol

I visit the stokes croft branch a lot and I absolutely love it there, the staff are always super friendly and the food is amazing. The food today was great at the Spike Island cafe but unfortunately the service wasn't so. I went to the counter to order and pay and they said they had to restart their card machine and asked if I was happy to wait, I said of course and waited at a table. Despite having already taken my order they then came back over to where I was waiting to take it again, adding to the overall wait time. They kindly brought my drink over before payment which I did really appreciate but then 5 minutes later brought it over again and the waitress seemed a bit annoyed that I had already been served. Then they came over again with my food but still no sign of a working card machine, I'd ordered to takeaway as I was in a bit of a rush but was kept waiting for even longer before someone came over again to ask if I had cash, I said no and so they said I'd have to go and get some. They directed me to the nearest cash point which charged £1.80 to withdraw cash and so I ended up paying a surplus for the food which was nearly cold by the time all this was finished. When I had been to the cash point, waited in the queue, come back and had to queue again to pay, I noticed the couple in front of me putting their order through and only afterwards being told it was now cash only. This is something people should be told as soon as they get to the counter if they know the card machine is broken. It wasn't particularly busy and there were three staff on shift, there just seemed to be a distinct lack of communication and it's honestly put me off going back...

You don’t have to appreciate modern art to enjoy one of the best priced cafes in Bristol. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and friendly service at this plant filled hidden gem (🤫) inside the former tea factory gallery and the most satisfying toasted sourdough sandwiches in the city. If that’s not your thing there’s a range of flavourful breakfast and lunch dishes that changes daily (plenty of vegetarian/ vegan options), super healthy artful blended juices / smoothies and salad loaded with fresh quality v generously portioned ingredients.

Ideal for: people watching, escaping “work from home” or leisurely catching up with your best friend. Accessibility: There aren’t enough step free access places in Bristol (w disabled parking outside) but this is one. Baby, bicycle and dog friendly (seen all 3 regularly). M2 metrobus stop outside.

Top tips: ask for the extras (and jalapeños) with your toastie or share it and leave room for cake. Do weekend brunch with chill tunes😉, iced coffee or lunch with proper draft Bristol Beer Co IPA on a warm day (or Clear Head n/a beer if you’re recovering).

Ps: eating here supports the charitable foundation (where Aardman originated), the Bristol arts scene and helps keep the gallery free to visit. Cake consumption with a clear conscience 😇😇!!! Check out...

me and my friend came here to visit the gallery and had a very unpleasant experience by the staff members. we waited to get served at the till for ages whilst the staff were behind the counter eating food, when they should’ve been working! eventually we ordered our drinks whilst the staff member ( named nia or mia) serving us was still stuffing her face with food (with her mask down!!) she then rudely told us to stand in the corner as we were “in the way.” after waiting a long time, they told us they didn’t even have the ingredients to make the smoothies we ordered. we had already paid and waited at this point. we asked for a refund and they said they couldn’t unless they gave us cash back. i requested to refunded the way i paid ( by card) but Nia (the staff member) laughed in our face and rudely said “ i can’t see the problem with carrying change, what’s the issue?” After being laughed at, me and my friend said we will accept the cash even though we were dissatisfied with this. Nia and another staff member then rolled their eyes at us and whispered to eachother. i do not recommend this place whatsoever!! staff come first, customers come last. they would rather...